Customizable jewelry latch

ABSTRACT

A jewelry class includes a frame defining a receptacle adapted to receive a length of chain and means for engaging a selected link of the chain and preventing substantial longitudinal motion of the chain within the receptacle. The jewelry clasp further includes a means for retaining the selected link of the chain in engagement with the means for engaging.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the field of jewelry. More specifically, this invention relates to user methods and clasps for customizing the length of necklaces and bracelets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Necklaces, bracelets and anklets constructed of chain have long been popular with jewelry wearers and therefore are sold in various standard lengths. Traditionally, wearers would purchase the necklace, bracelet or anklet chains according to these fixed lengths. This would often result in increased cost to the wearer due to the need to buy chains of various lengths for various purposes. Alternatively, due to the cost of jewelry chains, the wearer would purchase one chain of a fixed length to wear at all times, no matter what the context. Due to the various styles of clothing and diversity in the personal tastes of consumers, wearers are often left wearing no jewelry because the fixed chain length does not suit the wearer'taste or clothing. What is needed are jewelry latches and methods that allow adjustment of the length of a necklace, bracelet or anklet and is easily customized by wearers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention disclosed herein will meet the needs discussed above. Unlike other jewelry necklace, bracelet and anklet latches that secure the chain at a fixed length, the present invention is easily customizable by the wearer, adjusts to variable lengths and completely secures the chain at the desired length.

[0004] The present invention consists of a user customizable jewelry latch that includes a frame with a hinged arm and plunger pin. Also located on the frame is a locking post, a small round ring, and a chain entry hole and chain exit hole communicating with a cavity. The inner cavity contains a chain guide/plunger pin seat. When a length of jewelry chain is threaded through the cavity, the pin is hinged into the inserted engagement with a link in the chain, thereby setting the chain length.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, a jewelry clasp includes a frame defining a receptacle adapted to receive a length of chain and the means for engaging a selected link of the chain and preventing substantial longitudinal motion of the chain within the receptacle. The clasp further includes a means for retaining the selective link of the chain in engagement with the mean for engaging.

[0006] In another embodiment of the present invention, the jewelry clasp includes a frame including a sidewall defining a receptacle and having first and second apertures for retaining a link of the chain threaded through the apertures. The jewelry clasp further includes a pin for insertion through a selected link of a length of the chain to retain the link within the frame and a hinged means attached to the frame for selectively maintaining the pin in inserted engagement with the link.

[0007] In another embodiment of the present invention, jewelry, made of metal or plastic, includes a chain formed by a series of links and a clasp for forming a loop of the chain of a selected diameter. The clasp for forming the loop of the chain of a selected diameter includes a means for attaching the clasp to a first point of the chain and a frame defining a receptacle adapted to received a selected link of the chain. The clasp further includes a pin for engaging the selected link of the chain and preventing substantial longitudinal motion of the chain through the clasp and a means for retaining the selected link of the chain in engagement with the pin.

[0008] In another embodiment, a method of selectively adjusting the diameter of a loop formed by a jewelry chain includes retaining a selected link of the chain in a receptacle of the clasp, extending a pin through the selected link of the chain to retain the selected link of the chain within the frame, and rotating a hinged member attached to the frame to maintain the pin in inserted engagement with the selected link.

[0009] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] To further aid in understanding the invention, the attached drawings help illustrate specific features of the invention and the following is a brief description of the attached drawings;

[0011]FIG. 1A is a top view of a jewelry latch embodiment of the present invention with hinged arm in locked position.

[0012]FIG. 1B is a second top view of a jewelry latch embodiment of the present invention with hinged arm in open position.

[0013]FIG. 1C is a right side frame view of present invention, showing chain entry hole and small round ring in which one end of chain is permanently attached and hinged arm in open position.

[0014]FIG. 1D is left side frame view of present invention, showing chain exit hole.

[0015]FIG. 2A is a front member view of a jewelry latch embodiment of the present invention with hinged arm in open position.

[0016]FIG. 2B is a back member view of a jewelry latch embodiment of the present invention with hinged arm in locked position.

[0017]FIG. 2C is front member view of present invention, with hinged arm in open position, shown with attachment structure such as a necklace chain, wrist bracelet chain, or ankle chain (shown in semi-phantom). Also shown with ornamental pendant attached.

[0018]FIG. 3A is a cutaway front view of a jewelry latch embodiment of the present invention, in the locked position (hinged arm down), showing the relationship between frame, center chain guide/plunger pin seat, plunger pin (locking mechanism), chain entry hole, chain exit hole and back member. Shown with attachment structure such as necklace chain, wrist bracelet chain, or ankle chain. In this position chain is securely held in place.

[0019]FIG. 3B is a cutaway front view of a jewelry latch embodiment of the present invention, in the open position (hinged arm up). In this position chain has free movement.

[0020]FIG. 4A is a right end view of a jewelry latch according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the lid open.

[0021]FIG. 4B is a left end view of the jewelry latch embodiment of FIG. 4A with the lid closed.

[0022]FIG. 4C is a front view of the of the jewelry latch embodiment of FIG. 4B with the lid open and a chain in place.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for an easily customizable jewelry latch. This disclosure describes numerous specific details that include specific structures in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. One skilled in the art will appreciate that one may practice the present invention without these specific details.

[0024] As described further herein, the jewelry latch designs provide the user an easy way to customize and to modify the length of chain necklaces, wrist bracelets, and ankle bracelets to suit the user'preferences. FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 illustrate three different embodiments of the invention.

[0025]FIG. 1A is a top view embodiment of the jewelry latch in closed position. A hinged arm 101 is coupled to a hinge 103 allowing the hinged arm 101 to open or close. The hinge 103 is attached to a frame 104. A locking post hole 106 is located on the hinged arm 101. The locking post hole 106 fits tightly over a locking post 102 when in the locked position. The locking post hole 106 is shown in greater clarity in FIG. 1B.

[0026]FIG. 1B is a top view of the jewelry latch in open position. The hinged arm 101 is attached to a frame 104 by means of a hinge 103. A plunger pin 105 is attached to the hinged arm 101. As the hinged arm 101 hinges into locked position, a plunger pin 105 enters the frame 104 and into the frame cavity through a plunger pin entry hole 107. The plunger pin 105 then enters through an open link of the chain 112 and finally into a chain guide/plunger pin seat 115, thus locking the chain firmly into locked position. Simultaneously the locking post hole 106 located on a hinged arm 101 slides over a locking post 102 to secure the hinged arm 101 in locked position. The relationship of the plunger pin 105, chain 112, and chain guide/plunger pin seat 115 are shown in greater clarity in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0027]FIG. 1C is a right side view of the jewelry latch. A chain attachment ring 109 is attached to a frame 104. The frame 104 has a chain entry hole 108 to allow entry of the chain 112 into the frame cavity. The hinged arm 101 with a locking post hole 106 is connected to the top side of the frame 104 by means of a hinge 103. A relationship of the chain entry hole 108, chain attachment ring 109 and chain 112 is shown in greater clarity in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0028]FIG. 1D is a left side view of the jewelry latch. The frame 104 has a chain exit hole 110 to allow chain to exit the jewelry latch. Partial view of a chain attachment ring 109 attached to the right side of the frame 104 is shown. The hinged arm 101 with a plunger pin 105 attached and locking post hole 106 is shown in open position. Attached to the top side of frame 104 is a locking post 102.

[0029]FIG. 2A is a front member 111 view of the jewelry latch. The jewelry latch is shown in open position. A front member 111 connects to a frame 104. Connected to the top of the frame 104 is a locking post 102. Connected to the right side of the frame 104 is a chain attachment ring 109. The relationship with chain attachment ring 109 and chain 112 is shown in greater clarity in FIG. 2C. A clear relationship of the plunger pin 105 connected to the hinged arm 101 is shown. The hinged arm 101 is attached to a frame by means of a hinge 103. The hinge 103 allows the hinged arm 101 to swing from open to locked position.

[0030]FIG. 2B is a back member 116 view of the jewelry latch. The jewelry latch is shown in locked position. A chain attachment ring 109 is attached to the frame 104. The hinge 103 is attached to the top of frame 104, a hinged arm 101 attached to a hinge 103 has a locking post hole 106 that fits tightly over a locking post 102, which is attached to the top of frame 104.

[0031]FIG. 2C is a front member view of jewelry latch showing the relationship of jewelry latch and attachment structure, chain 112 and chain in phantom 113. Chain 112 is permanently connected to a chain attachment ring 109. The chain in phantom 113 is the desired length of chain that encompasses the neck, wrist, or ankle of the user. The chain 112 is threaded through the jewelry latch and attaches to an ornamental pendant 114 or similar object. A locking post 102 is attached to the frame. The hinged arm 101 with a attached plunger pin 105 is shown in open position. When in open position the chain is free to travel in either direction, shortening or lengthening the desired length of chain 112 that encompasses the neck, wrist, or ankle of the user.

[0032]FIG. 3A is a cutaway front view of a embodiment of the invention in locked position, that includes a chain attachment ring 109 connected to a frame 104 to which the chain 112 permanently attaches. The chain 112 enters through a frame 104 by means of a chain entry hole (in phantom) 117 passing over a chain guide/plunger pin seat 115 and exiting the jewelry latch cavity through a chain exit hole (in phantom) 110. The hinged arm 101 is attached to a frame 104 by means of a hinge 103. The hinged arm 101 is held tightly in locked position as a locking post 102 passes through the locking post hole (in phantom) 119. The plunger pin 105 is attached to a hinged arm 101. As shown in the locked position, the plunger pin 105 passes through an open link in the chain 112 then into a chain guide/plunger pin seat 115, which securely locks the chain at a desired length.

[0033]FIG. 3B is a cutaway front view of an embodiment of the invention in open position that includes a chain attachment ring 109 connected to a frame 104 to which the chain 112 permanently attaches. The chain 112 enters through a frame 104 by means of a chain entry hole (in phantom) 117 passing over a chain guide/plunger pin seat 115 and exiting the jewelry latch cavity through a chain exit hole (in phantom) 118. The hinged arm 101 is connected to a frame 104 by means of a hinge 103. The hinge 103 allows a hinged arm 101 to swing freely from open to locked position. The plunger pin 105 is attached to the hinged arm 101. A locking post 102 is attached to a frame 104.

[0034]FIG. 4A the right end view of a second jewelry latch according to the invention in the open position. A hinged arm 120 is coupled to a hinge 121 attached to a frame 122. In this embodiment, the chain guide/plunger pin seat 123 is located on the hinged arm 120. The frame 122 includes a fixedly attached plunger pin 124 and a fixedly attached chain attachment ring 109, to which the chain 112 is attached. In this embodiment, the chain is threaded through the frame 122, as discussed below, a selected link of the chain looped over plunger pin 124, and the hinged arm 120 folded over the receptacle such that the end of plunger pin is engaged with seat 123. Arm 120 then snaps into frame 122 such that selected chain link is held in place.

[0035]FIG. 4B is a left end view of the jewelry latch of FIG. 4A. It illustrates the relationship of the hinged arm 120, plunger pin 124, and the chain guide/plunger pin seat 123 when the lid is closed.

[0036]FIG. 4C is a front view of the jewelry latch of FIG. 4A in an open position and with the chain 112 in place. The chain attachment ring 109 to which the chain 112 is permanently attached is connected to the frame 122. The chain 112 enters through a frame 122 by means of a chain entry hole “in phantom” 125 passing over a plunger pin 124 which is inserted into the chain guide/plunger pin seat 123 and then exits through a chain exit hole “in phantom” 126.

[0037] To summarize, the present invention comprises a user customizable jewelry latch that includes a frame with a hinged arm attached to the frame by a hinge. A plunger pin is attached to the bottom side of a hinged arm. A locking post is located on the topside of a frame to secure a hinged arm while in the locked position. Also located on the frame is a chain entry hole and exit hole. A front and back member couple to a frame to form an inner cavity. The inner cavity contains a chain guide/plunger pin seat that the chain passes over and a plunger pin locks into. One end of the open link chain that is used with the present invention is permanently connected to a chain attachment ring, which is connected to a frame. An ornamental pendant or similar object larger than the chain exit hole then is attached to the loose end of chain thus preventing the chain from returning entirely back through the jewelry latch. The user customizes the desired length of necklace, wrist, or ankle bracelet by raising the hinged arm in which a plunger pin is attached. This allows the chain to be drawn freely through the latch in either direction to shorten or lengthen the distance encompassed around the neck, wrist, or ankle of the wearer. Once desired length of chain is attained, the hinged arm is pushed down, engaging the plunger pin through the frame into an open link in the chain and through a chain guide/plunger pin seat, securely locking the chain in a desired length.

[0038] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this specification or practicing the disclosed invention. The specification and examples above are exemplary only, with the true scope of the invention being indicated by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A jewelry clasp comprising: a frame defining a receptacle adapted to receive a length of chain; means for engaging a selected link of said chain and preventing substantial longitudinal motion of said chain within said receptacle; and means for retaining said selected link of said chain in engagement with said means for engaging.
 2. The jewelry clasp of claim 1 wherein said means for engaging comprises a pin affixed to said frame an adapted for insertion through said selected link of said chain.
 3. The jewelry clasp of claim 2 wherein said means for retaining comprises a lid rotatably coupled to said frame and having a seat for receiving an end of said pin.
 4. The jewelry clasp of claim 1 wherein said means for engaging comprises an arm rotatably coupled to said frame and a pin affixed to said arm for insertion through said selected link of said chain.
 5. The jewelry clasp of claim 4 wherein said means for retaining comprises a locking post affixed to said frame for engaging an aperture defined through said arm.
 6. The jewelry clasp of claim 5 wherein said means for retaining further comprises a seat defined in said frame for receiving an end of said pin.
 7. A jewelry clasp comprising: a frame including a sidewall defining a receptacle and having first and second apertures for retaining a length of chain threaded through said first and second apertures; a pin for insertion through a selected link of said length of chain to retain said length within said frame; and hinged means attached to said frame for selectively maintaining said pin in inserted engagement with said link.
 8. The jewelry clasp of claim 7 wherein said pin is affixed to said hinged means and said frame further comprises a seat for receiving an end of said pin inserted through said link.
 9. The jewelry clasp of claim 7 wherein said pin is affixed to said frame and said hinged means further comprises a seat for receiving an end of said pin inserted through said link.
 10. The jewelry clasp of claim 7 wherein said sidewall of said frame comprises a semicircular portion and said first and second apertures are disposed on spaced apart points on said semicircular portion of said sidewall.
 11. The jewelry clasp of claim 10 wherein said first and second apertures are disposed on opposing points on said semicircular portion of said sidewall.
 12. The jewelry clasp of claim 7 wherein said hinged means comprises a lid for covering an aperture defined by said receptacle.
 13. Jewelry comprising: a chain formed by a series of links; and a clasp for forming a loop of said chain of a selected diameter comprising: means for attaching said clasp to a first point of said chain; a frame defining a receptacle adapted to receive a selected link of said chain; a pin for engaging said selected link of said chain and preventing substantial longitudinal motion of said chain through said clasp; and means for retaining said selected link of said chain in engagement with said pin.
 14. The jewelry of claim 13 wherein said pin is affixed to said frame and said means for retaining comprises a lid hinged to said frame and having a seat for receiving an end of said pin.
 15. The jewelry of claim 13 wherein said means for retaining comprises an arm hinged to said frame, said pin affixed to said arm and having an end for rotating into engagement with a seat in said frame.
 16. The jewelry of claim 13 wherein said means for attaching comprises a loop.
 17. The jewelry of claim 16 wherein said loop is attached to a selected end of said chain.
 18. The jewelry of claim 13 wherein said chain forms a portion of a necklace.
 19. The jewelry of claim 13 wherein said chain forms a portion of a bracelet.
 20. The jewelry of claim 13 wherein said chain forms a portion of an ankle bracelet.
 21. The jewelry of claim 13 and further comprising an ornament affixed to said chain.
 22. A method of selectively adjusting the diameter of a loop formed by a jewelry chain comprising the steps of: retaining a selected length of the chain in a receptacle of a clasp; extending a pin through a selected link of the chain to retain the selected length of the chain within the frame; and rotating a hinged member attached to the frame to maintain the pin in inserted engagement with the selected link.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein the pin is affixed to the frame and said step of rotating a hinged memory comprises the step of rotating a lid having a seat for receiving an end of the pin over the receptacle.
 24. The method of claim 22 wherein the pin is affixed to the hinged member and said step of rotating comprises the step of rotating the hinged member to thereby insert the pin through the selected link. 